Medical marijuana evaluation office opens in Butler

BUTLER, Pa. — An office specializing in certifications and evaluations for medical marijuana opened Friday in Butler, and dozens of residents seeking help were there for the grand opening.

To be prescribed medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, patients need a medical identification card approved by the state, and many of those people were signing up.

Paul and Paula Green came to Compassionate Certification Center on East Cunningham Street in hopes of helping their 15-year-old son Nathan, who is living with autism.

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“Since he hit puberty, his outbursts have gotten much worse,” Paula Green said.

The Greens allowed Channel 11 to follow them through the process: they consulted with doctors and nurses and ultimately signed up for a medical marijuana card.

With medical marijuana now legal, Carol Cricks, who’s had four hip surgeries and is in constant pain, also showed up to try it.

“Might as well try it. I have nothing to lose,” she said.

The center’s chief medical officer, Dr. Bryan Doner, who also works at Armstrong County Hospital, says medical marijuana offers a natural alternative to narcotics. The company sees patients and helps them get medical marijuana cards.

The dispensary where patients actually buy the medical marijuana opens in Butler in two weeks.

Cox Media Group